The Canadian Wildlife Federation has announced the recipients of the eight Canadian Conservation Achievement Awards; three of whom are from Saskatchewan. The eight represent outstanding achievements in diverse areas including education, arts, fisheries and legislation. Shannon Chernick of Regina won the Youth Mentor Award. Leah Dorion of Prince Albert won the Robert Bateman Award for Conservation. Leah Japp of Bethune won the Wild Educator of the Year Award.

Shannon Chernick of Regina, Sask. is presented the Youth Mentor Award for designing self-guided family activities for Nature Saskatchewan during the pandemic lockdown. When restrictions lifted, she launched a Get Outside! Kids Club for children aged six to 12 and their siblings and caregivers. Her creative approaches, inspired by her two sons, helped many families find solace in nature during challenging times.

Leah Dorion of Prince Albert, Sask. is presented the Robert Bateman Award for Conservation through the Arts. A painter, filmmaker and writer, Dorion proudly showcases Métis culture through her art, teachings and leadership. “My late father instilled in me a love of the land and especially the river, she said. “He taught me to see and experience the land from his Métis value system, to be curious and observe the patterns and laws of nature.” Animals and elements are featured in her vivid and inspiring works, including outdoor installations created with youth from her community.

Leah Japp of Bethune, Sask takes home the Wild Educator of the Year award. As general manager of SaskOutdoors and a certified WILD Education facilitator, Japp found new ways to connect Canadians to nature during the pandemic. She developed the first online Project WILD workshop in Canada, reimagining wildlife education to meet the needs for online, outdoor and physically distanced classrooms. She is recognized for her plucky pioneering spirit, creativity and enduring optimism.